Patsy and I have been married eight years. Before we met, we had both been widowed. She had been married 43 years to her late husband. I had been married 50 years to my late wife.

The story of how the two of us met, fell in love and married is a testimony of God's grace and favor. During the time we've been married, we have served in ministry to the widowed community we lived in in Texas. We also served in marriage support ministry (we still do) offering premarital counseling to couples soon to be married, or to the very newly married. We also have ministered to couples who were experiencing troubles in their marriages.

When we moved from Texas to Arkansas in 2021, we became involved in ministry to the addiction recovery community. The area in Arkansas where we lived has a major meth addiction problem. There are quire a few Christian ministries serving the recovery community there. She and I taught Bible classes at some of the recovery houses, and both of us engaged in much one on one support to those within the recovery houses.

Upon moving to Arkansas, we began attending a particular church. There we were asked to form and lead a seniors ministry group. We did that until later when we felt that God was leading us to make a change. Then we moved to another church. This one was heavily engaged in the addiction recovery ministry. This church was growing and God was doing some wonderful things there. Lives greatly changed, and the bonds of addiction broken for many.

Something happened, and I won't go into the details, but the church was suddenly abandoned. We had no pastor and we lost the building. It seemed that the intent was for the church to close, and for the attendees to find other churches to attend. But both Patsy and I, and several others felt that God was not through with the ministry of that church

Both of us felt that this was what God had put us there for. I was able to get the non-profit corp. signed over to me, and took on the role of lead pastor. But we had no place to meet. and a goodly number of the former members had moved on to other churches. Every week we scrambled to find a place to meet. Renting whatever venue might be available for that Sunday. We had no equipment including no sound system for praise and worship time. We had nothing

But God provided. We borrowed sound equipment and even folding chairs. We had different ones help us conduct our praise and worship time. And I brought the Word God had for us that day. Soon we were offered the use of an American Legion hall for Sunday mornings. The fee was very good as our numbers were small, and in that community, offerings were very small as well By the way, this American Legion hall had no bar so that was a plus.

During that time we were able to slowly accumulate a few pieces of sound equipment. We also had a family join who had been experienced praise and worship leaders. They were musicians thus we now had instruments.

Later the opportunity came for us to move into an abandoned church building. The building had not been in use for over five years. It had everything we needed in the way of chairs, a small fellowship room, and Sunday School rooms. It was ready to use for services. No longer did we have to go early every Sunday morning to the AL hall to set up for service and then take down following service.

Now we had a six month lease and a regular place to meet. But we knew that God had bigger plans. In November of 2025 we were able to move into a much more capable church building. At the same time, since the couple who lead our praise and worship had been former church pastors, and Patsy and I knew that our time there would soon come to an end, we appointed them associate pastors. In January of 26, this year, we turned the church pastorship over to them. This was in preparation for our planned relocation to Florida.

So now, here we are. We have connected with a wonderful church here in our city. We are not involved in leadership. What the future will bring, God only knows. But we will serve as He leads and what doors He opens, we shall see.

A brotherhood that tested every piece of my soul in combat never prepared me for the pain of having my family stuck in limbo.

My name is Jesse Preston. I spent 14 years on Active Duty in the U.S. Army, Airborne and Air Assault qualified. I served three combat tours in Iraq between 2003 and 2010, and a tour in South Korea in 2007. I bled, sacrificed, and gave over a decade of my life in service to the United States because I believed in honor, loyalty, and standing up for what is right.

Now, I am fighting the hardest battle of my life—and it isn’t on a battlefield. It’s for my own family.

Since November 2023, I have been living abroad because I refuse to abandon my wife, Miheret Beksissa, and our baby daughter, Jessica. Imagine if I had listened to the system and waited back home in America alone, staring at an empty nursery, thousands of miles away from my infant child and the woman God gave me to protect. A combat veteran doesn’t leave his family behind.

We did everything right. We followed every single law. We poured our hard-earned money—over $4,000 just to begin the I-130 and DS-260 with our lawyer, paid every required government fee, and paid another $1,500 for our daughter’s CRBA and U.S. passport. Jessica is a U.S. citizen. Miheret was approved for her immigrant visa through our marriage.

Our journey started in January 2024, and we were so close to coming home. But because immigrant visas for Ethiopians were paused under the current administration policy, our life is on hold. The process is dragging out indefinitely, leaving us stranded in uncertainty.

We are devout, faithful Christians who just want to raise our daughter in the country I wore the uniform to defend. Every day, I look at my daughter and my wife, and my heart breaks knowing that the very system I served is keeping us from starting our life together on American soil.

Please, brothers and sisters, pray for us. Pray that the doors are opened, that red tape is cut, and that our family can finally go home to America together. If this touches your heart, please share our story.

Pray for us!

For about two years, Patsy and I served as lead pastors in a small church in the city we were living in at the time. the church had been, well, just just way the church was abandoned. Patsy and I knew that He was not finished with the ministry of that church, so we picked it up, literally from nothing and rebuilt it from the ground up.

The church grew from the restart where we had often less than twenty people on a Sunday morning, to seeing attendance grow to around one hundred on most Sundays. We were able to see a vibrant and anointed praise and worship team, a children's church ministry, and a great youth ministry. And we moved from an old rented too small church building to one with much more opportunity for growth and for service.

Of course we did not do that all by ourselves, even though at the beginning, it was rough going, and every pastor who has built up a church from nothing understands that well. God sent us great team members to help carry the load. In January of 2026 we were able to turn the pastoral position over to our associate pastor, allowing him and his wife to take the church to the next level. Our work had been accomplished so it was time to turn over the reins and step aside. That was when we moved from that city to our current home in Florida.

I just now joined the platform. My wife Patsy and I recently moved from Paragould, AR to North Port, FL. While in Paragould, we pastored a local church until this January when we turned the pastorship over to our associate pastor. This was in preparation for our move to Florida.

Patsy and I were both widowed. I after 50 years of marriage to my late wife, she after 43 years of marriage to her late husband. But God allowed us to meet, fall in love, and now we have been married eight years.

God has done wonderful things in our married life. We have been involved in ministry within the widowed community while we were living in Texas (before our move to Arkansas), ministry to not only young couples newly married or soon to be married, but couples going through troubles within their marriage.

A big part of our ministry while in Arkansas was to the faith based addiction recovery community. Now that we are in Florida, we know God has a work for us here. We're just waiting on His leading.

We are both retired. She from many years working in an administrative role with the Salvation Army, and I after a long career in the medical electronics industry. We enjoy travel, ministry activities, and I am now a published novelist.

Ellen G. White
To those who are contending with the power of habit, God says: “Would you walk by and by the streets of the holy city? Then obey the command, Come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing. I, the infinite God, the Creator of the universe, will receive you.
I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters.” “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Connect with Heaven. Thus you may become children of the heavenly King.
Do you want higher honor, greater exaltation? Riches God has in abundance for those who overcome; for the streets of the holy city are paved with gold. It is your privilege to enter this city, to partake of the tree of life, to listen to the voice that is sweeter and richer than any music that ever fell on mortal ears. There is strength in the arm of the Lord. Take hold upon it, and you will one day stand victors in the city of God, each wearing on his brow a crown of immortal glory. ST January 30, 1901, par. 9

St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe

St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe was born on January 8, 1894 in Poland, to father Julius Kolbe and mother Maria Dabrowska. He joined the Franciscans in 1907 and ordained as a priest in 1918. He founded a movement devoted to Our Lady and spread this movement through a magazine named "The Knight of the Immaculate". He was arrested by Nazis on February 17, 1941 and sent to the concentration camp at Auschwitz. He was singing hymns to the Virgin Mary in the concentration camp without any fear. He was tortured in the Nazi concentration camp without giving any food, water and other facilities for more than two weeks. When another person was due to be killed on a particular day, that man started crying" my wife, my children". Then Maximilian volunteered to take the place of that man to die, to save that poor man. He was killed by giving carbolic acid injection. He died on August 14, 1941.

A cure from intestinal tuberculosis to one Angela Testoni in July, 1948 and also a cure from calcification on the arteries/sclerosis were attributed to the intervention of St. Maximilian.

He was beatified in 1971 by Pope Paul-VI and canonized by Pope John Paul-II on October 10, 1982. He was declared as a martyr and is venerated as a patron saint of drug addicts and political prisoners.
#catholic #saint #St. #drug #addiction #politicalprison #political #prision #drugfree #addictionfree #savepoor #injection #virginmary #Mary #intervention #interventionfordisease
#disease #illness #cure #politicalharrasament #prisioerofconscience #dissident #undertrialprisoners #prisionalwithoutanycharge

Good morning to everyone. Grace and Peace be with you.

In my journey to clean the house, I have gone from worship music to listening to the Bible. My goal around mid-January was to actually make it through the bible by the end of the year. I started in the New Testament while I was driving back and forth to work. It really did not feel like it took that long to devour all that wisdom. (Mind you, it will take me many more meals of that nature before I remember it all.) Once I was done with that, I moved into the Old. Now, we all know how much fun the Old Testament can be. Especially the book of Leviticus … got to know me some offering techniques. Just staying. When I retired, I believe that made it through Chronicles… another riveting beginning of the family tree (it did get better). After that, it was hit and miss when I listened. I am happy to report that I have now finished Ecclesiastes. With only 18 books left to listen to, I am confident that I will make my goal.

Last night while I was folding the hidden laundry that I found in various places, I was listening to the book of Proverbs. Now, this book, I have read many, many times. Though this is true, I ‘heard’ things yesterday that I did not recall from before. I also had metaphoric thoughts of their meaning, in some cases, which is why I did the afternoon post yesterday. When a new light bulb is sparked as I am listening, I have to hit replay several times. I want to make sure that I heard what I thought I heard. I to my physical bible and look it up to read what I heard. I stare at whatever is near me at the time as I search my thoughts like a kid who was just told to pick one piece of candy … so many to choose from. It is fantastic.

Because I listen repeatedly and verify with physical sight, I can usually see or feel the message that He wants to give me, as with the PM post yesterday. However, I was still in the book of Proverbs when I thought I heard another epiphany. I looked it up, wrote it down, and thought about it. I slept on it, and this morning I took another look; the message I thought I heard was not what I received this morning. I believe that what I thought it said last night was an attempt to begin a quarrel or clickbait. That is not what the Word says. Even I can get caught up in the thought of education for the greater good; however, we must have discernment and wisdom for what we are about to divulge. Prudence in this situation, I believe, was the best call. (Quick note: my laptop is being attitudinal … my apologies if there are random punctuations.)

Last night I received a Word from God to post in the afternoon. Shortly after that, I thought that I had received a second one; however, because I was cautious with my response, I believe that I averted or dodged a sticky situation that a post could have caused. The Spirit gave me a metaphoric thought on the first gift; the enemy tried piggyback with a second prompt. The difference was that I am versed enough in His Word that my inner spirit told me to wait and study more closely. Wisdom and discernment, coupled with prudence and patience, are a recipe for success when spreading the Good News.

When Solomon was made King, God asked him what he wanted. Anything he asked for, God would grant … Solomon asked for wisdom. Not riches. Not power. Not favor. He asked for wisdom. Because he did not ask for self-gratifying indulgences, but a way to help his people, God was pleased and granted the other items as well.

Periodically, I will ask to win the lottery, that my books take off, or I have a rich uncle/aunt somewhere that left me their millions. Where the concept of not thinking about money ever being a problem is nice, it brings on its own challenges. My husband and I have joked that if that ever happened, we would still be in the same financial arena we are in now because we would not be able to help ourselves but to help others. I am pleased that He has given me this gift of discernment. I am happy that He has given me this gift of wisdom. I am happy that He has given me this gift of obedience. I fail many times, but He is always there to guide me through. What have you asked for lately? Stature? Or Wisdom?

Be blessed.

**For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. –Proverbs 2:6

There is a message on my heart today, and I don't believe it is by accident.

I may not know your name. I may not know where you are reading this from. I may not know what your story looks like.

But I know one thing... The Holy Spirit is speaking to someone right now.

As a Relationship Minister, one of the deepest pains I have encountered is not from broken relationships alone. It is the silent pain of sisters who have waited... and waited... and waited for the man God has prepared for them.

I have listened to countless conversations. Conversations filled with hidden tears.

Some are in their mid-twenties, fully ready to build a godly home. Some are already in their thirties, wondering why the years keep passing by. Some have never received a serious proposal.

Others have received attention from brothers who disappeared halfway. Some keep attracting men who only waste their time.

Some have prayed for years. Some have fasted until they had no strength left.

Some have attended every wedding with a smile on their faces, only to return home and cry themselves to sleep.

Maybe... That sister is you.

You celebrate your friends sincerely when they get engaged. You buy them gifts. You dance at their weddings. You pray for them with a genuine heart.

But when you get back into your room, you quietly ask God, "Lord... when will it be my turn?"

You scroll through social media and another wedding picture appears.

Another engagement. Another proposal. Another bridal shower. You smile... Then gently lock your phone because your heart cannot take it anymore.

You are beginning to wonder... "Lord, have You forgotten me; My mates are becoming wives. My younger ones are getting married. What exactly am I doing wrong?"

Maybe nobody knows how much this has been breaking you.

But hear me today... God knows.

He sees every silent tear you wiped away before anyone noticed.

He hears every prayer you whispered when nobody was listening.

He remembers every fasting you have done.

He knows every heartbreak you survived.

He knows how many times you believed someone was the answer, only to watch everything fall apart.

He knows how difficult it is to keep hoping when disappointment has become so familiar.

And today... The Lord is saying to you... PEACE... BE STILL.

Don't allow fear to speak louder than God's promises. Don't allow your age to become your identity. Don't allow people's questions to become your burden.

Because the God you serve has never forgotten your address.

The truth is... We often measure life with calendars. But God measures life with purpose.

We count years. While God prepares destinies.

We watch clocks. But God watches His perfect plan unfold.

There is no morning with God. There is no night with Him.

There is no January or December in eternity.

He is never late. He has never been late. And He will not start with you.

The Bible says that He makes everything beautiful in His own time.

Not our time. His time.

Think about Lazarus. Many people believed Jesus should have arrived before Lazarus died.

They thought He delayed. They thought it was over. But when Jesus finally came, it wasn't because He was late.

It was because His timing would reveal a greater glory.

If He had arrived earlier, Lazarus would have simply been healed. But because He came at God's appointed time... Lazarus was raised from the dead.

Sometimes what feels like God's delay is actually God's preparation.

You may not understand why your story looks different from everyone else's. But you don't have to understand everything to trust God.

Trust His heart. Trust His wisdom. Trust His process. And trust His timing.

The husband God has prepared for you will not miss his way.

The God who knows where you are also knows where he is.

Nothing catches God by surprise. Nothing.

Your waiting season is not a sign that God has rejected you. Sometimes it is simply proof that He is writing a testimony that cannot be explained by human effort.

So today... Instead of asking, "Lord, why am I still waiting?"

Try saying, "Lord, I trust You even while I wait."

Tell Him, "Father, strengthen my faith. Help me not to become bitter. Help me not to compare my journey with others. Help me to remain joyful while You prepare what You have prepared for me."

And when the waiting becomes heavy... Whisper these simple words... "Lord... I will wait for You."

Not because waiting is easy. But because You are faithful. I don't know who this message is for. But I believe with all my heart that someone's testimony is closer than they think.

The tears will not last forever. The waiting will not last forever. The questions will not last forever. Your season will change.

And when God finally writes your story... No one will remember how long you waited. They will only stand in awe of what God has done.

May the Lord strengthen every waiting heart. May He fill every empty place with hope. May He replace every silent tear with joyful laughter. And may your testimony arrive at the exact moment Heaven has appointed.

In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

I am Anthony Chukwuebuka - THE BOO OF THE BOOLESS; Remember that the same God who is making someone else's wedding invitation today is not out of blessings. He is simply writing your chapter on a different page.

So please don't close the book because your story hasn't reached its most beautiful chapter yet.

DAILY LEADERSHIP BOOST (DLB)

SATURDAY, 1 AUGUST 2026

A NEW MONTH, A NEW GRACE

“Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.” – Psalm 65:11 KJV

Welcome to August.

God did not bring us this far to leave us. Every new month is proof that His mercies are new and His faithfulness is sure. Lamentations 3:22-23. And with a new month comes new grace for new challenges, new assignments, and new victories.

August is not just another page on the calendar. It is a doorway. It is God saying, _“Behold, I will do a new thing.”_ Isaiah 43:19. The months behind us had their battles and their lessons. But God is not finished. He is crowning this year with His goodness.

Leaders, how we start a month determines how we finish it. We do not drift into August. We step into it on purpose, with prayer, with faith, and with expectation.

First, we remember. Remember what God has done. The doors He opened. The strength He gave. The protection we did not see. Gratitude positions us for more. Psalm 103:2 says, _“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”_

Second, we reset. Lay down what did not work. Lay down bitterness, fear, and delay. Hebrews 12:1. You cannot carry old weights into a new season. Ask God to search you and lead you in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24.

Third, we refocus. What is God saying for this month? What is the word, the direction, the assignment? Proverbs 4:25 says, _“Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.”_ Do not be distracted. Fix your gaze on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:2.

The grace for August is available, but grace must be engaged. James 4:6 says God gives grace to the humble. So we come low before Him. We depend on Him. We do not assume that last month’s oil will run this month’s engine. We go back to the altar for fresh oil.

This month, expect God’s paths to _“drop fatness.”_ That means provision, favor, ideas, and divine encounters. But it also means responsibility. With new grace comes new stewardship. What God is about to do through you will require faith, obedience, and consistency.

Do not be afraid of August. The same God who was with you in January is with you now. The same Spirit that helped you then will help you now. Philippians 1:6 says, _“he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”_

Step into this month with boldness. Speak God’s word over your life, your family, your team, and your territory. And watch God crown the year with His goodness.

Prayer For Today
Father, thank You for bringing me into a new month. I receive fresh grace for August. Crown this year with Your goodness. Order my steps. Go before me and make the crooked places straight. Give me wisdom for decisions, strength for work, and favor in every place. Let Your will be done in my life this month. I dedicate August to You. Use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today's Declaration
This is a new month and a new season of grace. God’s goodness is crowning my year. His paths are dropping fatness for me. I will walk in wisdom, favor, and power. What God has started in me, He will complete. August will be a month of testimonies.

Bible Reading Plan
Psalm 65, Isaiah 43:16-21, Lamentations 3:22-26, Philippians 1:3-6, Deuteronomy 11:11-12, 2 Corinthians 9:8

Today’s Action
Take time today to thank God for the first seven months of the year. Write down three things He did for you. Then pray into August. Ask God for His word and His agenda for this month. Write it down and align your plans to it.
Leaders, gather your team and dedicate the month to God. Set the tone with prayer and vision. Speak faith over the next 31 days. New month, new grace, new results.

Remember: God’s mercies are new every morning. And His grace is sufficient for August.

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